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The Rogan Josh Lamb is a popular dish in winter. This Kashmiri specialty, slow-cooked for hours in a blend of spices, is even better when served with sheermala (sweet bread), naan (leavened bread), roti (Indian flatbread), rice, biryani (layered rice dish), and raita (spiced yogurt).
Hello, let me tell you about a delicious and spicy dish from Kashmir: Rogan Josh Lamb. It is a traditional recipe made with lamb meat, yogurt, spices, and aromatic herbs. The name Rogan Josh means “red and oily” in Persian, which accurately describes the creamy and colorful sauce that accompanies the lamb. This dish is typically served with basmati rice or naan bread and is perfect for warming up winter evenings.
Origin of Rogan Josh Lamb
The origin of Rogan Josh Lamb dates back to the Mughal period when Muslim emperors conquered northern India and brought with them their refined and diverse cuisine. Rogan Josh Lamb is part of the wazwan, a feast of 36 dishes served on special occasions such as weddings or religious festivals.
The lamb used in this dish is usually domestic lamb, which has no wild ancestors in Europe. It was introduced to these continents during the Neolithic period, approximately 8,700 to 7,000 years ago. Lamb is highly valued in halal cuisine and is often referred to as lamb, which is meat from a sheep less than one year old. Lamb originated in Central and Western Asia, where it was domesticated from several wild species such as urial or mouflon. It was later introduced to Europe and North Africa during the Neolithic period, around 8,000 years ago. Lamb also holds religious significance as it is sacrificed during Eid al-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice, which commemorates Abraham’s submission to God.
Rogan Josh Lamb is a typical dish from Kashmir, a region in northern India that has experienced numerous cultural influences over the centuries. This lamb stew is flavored with spices such as turmeric, ginger, cumin, cardamom, and red chili. Its name is derived from the Persian word “rogan,” meaning “oil,” and the Hindi word “josh,” meaning “fire” or “passion.” Rogan Josh Lamb is a dish that combines tradition and history, delighting the taste buds of spice lovers. If you want to explore this recipe and other Kashmiri specialties, feel free to visit our website or contact us to arrange your culinary journey in India.
To prepare Rogan Josh Lamb, you will need:
- 1 kg of lamb shoulder, cut into pieces
- 2 finely chopped onions
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 2 cm of freshly grated ginger
- 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons of cumin seeds
- 2 teaspoons of coriander seeds
- 2 teaspoons of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric
- 1 teaspoon of garam masala
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 250 ml of plain yogurt
- 250 ml of water
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 cloves
- 4 green cardamom pods
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- A few sprigs of fresh coriander
Preparation of Rogan Josh Lamb
The preparation is done in several steps:
- In a large casserole dish, heat the oil over medium heat and sauté the onions, garlic, and ginger for about 15 minutes, stirring often, until golden and tender.
- Add the cumin seeds, coriander seeds, paprika, turmeric, garam masala, and salt, and mix well. Cook for a few minutes, stirring, to toast the spices and release their aromas.
- Add the lamb pieces and brown them on all sides, coating them well with the onion and spice mixture.
- Reduce the heat and add the yogurt, water, bay leaves, cloves, cardamom pods, and cinnamon sticks. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for about an hour and a half, checking occasionally to make sure the sauce doesn’t reduce too much. If needed, add a little water during cooking.
- When the lamb is tender and the sauce is thick and reddish, remove from heat and sprinkle with finely chopped fresh coriander. Serve hot with rice or naan bread.
There you have it, you now know all about Rogan Josh Lamb! It’s a flavorful and comforting dish that will transport you to the heart of India. Feel free to leave your comments if you’ve tried this recipe or if you have any questions. Enjoy your meal!
